The Sixers are in the midst of a killer stretch of five games in seven days. After losing to the Pistons 88-81 on Sunday afternoon, they dropped a 119-115 decision to the visiting Suns on Monday evening. They visit the Nets on Wednesday, are home against the Jazz on Friday and close it out by visiting the Bulls on Saturday.

Having started with two defeats, the 3-4 Sixers have to bounce back against the 0-7 Nets if they want to salvage something from this difficult week.

Defending the 3-point line would be a start. The Sixers have allowed four of their first seven opponents to make at least 14 3's; they allowed that many only five times in all of last season.

That Elton Brand has largely become a first- and third-quarter player is another issue confronting the Sixers. Brand has been on the floor for a total of 4:12 in the last three fourth periods, including not at all in a win over New Jersey and the loss to Phoenix.

"This is very difficult," Brand said. "Hopefully, if I get a chance, I'll be there to box out, rebound and do what we have to do. The guys are playing well, so the decision's (been) made. You kind of get to expect it a little bit."

SUNS 119, SIXERS 115: The Sixers hung with the Suns for three quarters, but Steve Nash and Jared Dudley sent Philly to its second straight defeat. Dudley scored 13 in the final period and Nash finished with 21 points and 20 assists, which was the first 20-20 point-assist game in the league since he had 28 and 22 on Jan. 2, 2006 at New York. The Suns shot 15-for-30 beyond the arc as Jason Richardson (6-for-8) and Dudley (4-for-5) especially hurt the Sixers.